After four-game breather, Machado returns to lineup

SEATTLE -- Manny Machado returned to the Orioles' lineup Saturday after missing four games with back spasms. He was slotted in the No. 7 spot and went 0-for-4 in 4-3 loss to the Mariners.

"He could have played yesterday," manager Buck Showalter said of Machado, who was a late scratch from Tuesday's lineup. "I decided to give him one more day with the day game. He was close to going into that game last night. Give it a roll and see what happens. I really wanted to give him one or two under his belt [before the off-day]. It's not really an off-day Monday. We're going to spend half of it traveling and watch the sun come up.

"He's ready to go. I thought he felt pretty good yesterday. He's doing some activity and recovered well."

Machado had participated in pregame activities the previous two games, and he was confident he would return before the weekend set in Seattle was over. The 22-year-old entered Saturday batting .267 with 10 homers and 23 RBIs.